Sweet revenge for Wotherspoon

03 December 2012 08:27

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Hibernian's David Wotherspoon says his cup final heartache flashed into his mind as he savoured the winner against Hearts.

Wotherspoon's 83rd-minute strike took a huge deflection off Hearts captain Marius Zaliukas and earned Hibs a 1-0 victory that sent the holders out of the Scottish Cup.
The Scotland Under-21 international was left out of the 16-man squad for last season's final and had to watch in horror as his team lost 5-1 to their Edinburgh rivals.
And that painful memory helped the midfielder enjoy Sunday's moment all the more.

"It was tremendous," the 22-year-old said.

"I can't remember much about the ball flight but I just remember it hitting the back of the net and I didn't know what to do with myself.

"It's such a great feeling. So late in the game."

Talking of his double disappointment in May, he added: "That went through my head when I scored. I remember sitting in the stand watching that game.

"It is one of the worst feelings, being left out of such a massive game, a historic game.

"But I said to myself at the time, you have just got to keep your head up and get back. We have turned the corner hopefully."

However, Wotherspoon dismissed suggestions the win, their first derby triumph in 13 games, had attained them redemption.

"It's a long way to go for that but it's one back on them. I'm sure there's many to come as well.

"I have never done it before (beaten Hearts) so it's great."

There was one downside to Hibs' day when Leigh Griffiths was stretchered off with an ankle injury but the striker managed to hobble on to the pitch to join the post-match celebrations.